Different Birds, Different Reinforcements
March 15th, 2009Jamieleigh
Congo African Grey Parrot
“I have a male african timeth grey who is scared, I have learned to let him get out of the cage on his own to the top, I try to give him the up command but, he rather bite lol, but then I thought of a soda cap * plastic* that he eyed and I got it and he looked as if wanting to get it, so I held it up over his head and moved my hand to his chest and told him to step up and he did, now when I want him to get on my hand I use the pop cap trick. I keep doing it hoping he will just get on my hand without wanting to take a chunk out of me”
- Linda
I love that you shared this, Linda!
This is a perfect example of a bird who found its own reinforcement. Where some people would use food or petting, or even praise, you are using a plastic soda cap!
My mom actually ended up teaching my cockatoo how to retrieve because my cockatoo was so interested in picking up soda caps. It came naturally and was the very first behavior Bondi was ever taught. Now I’m having a hard time teaching my other birds to retrieve because they just don’t have the similiar interests like Bondi did.
I think it’s great you found something you bird is willing to “work for” and it’s a great reinforcement to use to step up. I just want to say again that your bird’s reward may be different than what Chet, Dave or I am using on our own birds. Just because we use sunflower seeds or cashews, doesn’t mean you bird is going to respond the same way to those rewards.
I have 2 cockatiels that are together they were kept in a cage with many other cockatiels but I was told that these two stay together. I had no problem with one more bird I have large cage. but she did not train her birds they were well cared for clean and had a healthy diet. she watched them and talked to them but they were never touched and only she ever entered the cage to clean as it is a big room she keeps them in. but she was afraid to try to even touch them.
anyways I got these 2 in a cage together and when I try anything with them they distract one another they will team up. so far I have them calm aroung people and my other pets. one even starting to wistle. they may be pair but am not sure one demonstrates male behavior the other female. any ways back to subject. I was wondering if it would be better to keep tring to train them together in one cage or separate them . try 2 cages near one another. or should I move them completely appart and try to use that as a( daily reward time) or special time for them together. as I did promise not to separate them. but I do not think separate cages is doing that .I know that if I do they will probably become vary vocal for a time. that is ok to. just not sure if it would be best for the birds.I know it would be easier for me but that is not necessarily my goal but I do want them handleable and managable.